How long does cannabis last in the body?
THC is the star cannabinoid in marijuana, and it's the one our bodies typically retain the largest amounts of after consuming these substances. Determining how long cannabis lasts in the body is no easy task.
This is a common question among users of this substance, especially due to the increase in drug tests on the road and in the workplace. The reality is that, to find the answer, several important factors must be taken into account: the method of consumption and the type of test performed.
Some clinics have confirmed that marijuana is detectable in blood for up to 14 days, in hair for up to 90 days, and in urine for up to 30 days. Cannabis addicts can test positive with an even greater margin.
Currently, there are different types of cannabis tests that can be used to determine whether marijuana has been consumed in a short period of time. These directly measure THC-COOH, a metabolite that the liver secretes into our blood as a waste product when it breaks down THC, and which remains in our body for much longer.
The most common tests for detecting cannabis use are saliva tests, urine tests, and hair tests (the most effective among all). Below, we'll tell you more about them.
How long does cannabis last in saliva?
The saliva test is one of the main methods for determining how long cannabis lasts in the system, and one of the most common due to its speed and ease of performance. The saliva test is common in the workplace and uses a swab inserted between the lower cheek and the gum.
Saliva tests can detect THC up to 24 hours after last use in infrequent cannabis users, and up to 30 hours in regular, chronic users.
How long does cannabis last in urine?
When talking about how long marijuana lasts in the body, we must mention the urine test, one of the most conclusive and decisive tests for detecting the presence of cannabis in the body.
Some experts say that a non-regular user can test positive for cannabis use. up to 7 days laterFor example, if we're talking about regular use on weekends, the addicted person may test positive for marijuana in their urine up to 15 days later.
But the numbers are frightening when we analyze, using this technique, the cannabis residues in the body of regular smokers and addicts. Marijuana in the body can last up to one or two months, so the test can be positive up to 70 days after the last use.
How long does cannabis last in hair?
The hair follicle test has the longest detection window after the last use. One of the least-known methods for detecting cannabis in the body is hair. Although you may not have known, THC is also present in this part of our body.
If you're wondering how long cannabis lasts in your hair, a hair test can even detect the exact week the drug was used. Although it's common among executives and high-ranking officials, it's not a common test in Spain due to its high cost, up to €90.
One of the advantages of the hair test is that it's by far the most accurate, and there's no way to alter the results. Hair length determines whether you've consumed more or less, and you can detect whether you've consumed more or less hair in the last three months by measuring just 1.5 centimeters from the root.
The blood that nourishes the hair contains the consumed THC, which subsequently becomes fixed as the hair grows, and remains there forever until you go to the salon.
How long does cannabis last in the blood?
This detection method is one of the least common for detecting marijuana in a person's blood. It's usually only performed after a car accident or in extreme cases.
The test accurately detects whether cannabis has been used recently or not. This test can even give a positive result up to four or five days after cannabis use for non-users, and up to 15 days after for regular users. In some cases, tests can give a positive result up to 30 days after use.
If you're planning to quit marijuana addiction and don't know how, don't hesitate to consult with our team of experts. Our professionals will treat your case in a personalized and caring manner throughout the entire process.
How to eliminate marijuana from your body
Experts agree that the only way to eliminate marijuana from your system is to stop using it. There are various products on the market that claim to speed up the marijuana "detox" process., But these claims are unproven and the products can cause dangerous side effects.
- High amounts of B vitaminsA 2018 case report found that some patients who took large doses (in some cases, around 3,000 mg daily for one or two days, more than 187 times the recommended daily amount) of niacin or vitamin B3 in hopes of passing urine tests suffered liver damage and other symptoms. The recommended daily amount of niacin for adults is 16 mg for men and 14 mg for women.
- Large amounts of waterDrinking too much water in a short period of time can lead to a serious condition called water intoxication. It's best to drink a healthy amount each day.
- FastSkipping meals can cause side effects such as low blood sugar and fatigue. Additionally, a 2014 animal study found that fasting increased the amount of THC in the blood of rats that had been pretreated with the compound. This is because, similar to exercise, fasting can cause THC to be released from fat stores.